Choose the best Lewis structure for PO₄³⁻.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best Lewis structure for the given molecule would be the one with formal charges of zero or closest to zero.

In option A, the central S atom has a formal charge of +1, and the negatively charged P atom has a formal charge of -2. This gives a net formal charge of -1, which is not ideal for a neutral molecule.

In option B, the central S atom has a formal charge of +1, and the negatively charged P atom has a formal charge of -1. This also gives a net formal charge of -1, which is not ideal for a neutral molecule.

In option D, the central S atom has a formal charge of 0, and the negatively charged P atom has a formal charge of -1. This gives a net formal charge of -1, which is again not ideal for a neutral molecule.

In option E, the central P atom has a formal charge of +1, and the negatively charged S atom has a formal charge of -1. This gives a net formal charge of 0, which is ideal for a neutral molecule. However, this structure violates the octet rule for the central P atom, as it has only six electrons in its valence shell.

Option C is the best choice, as the central P atom has a formal charge of 0, and all the other atoms have formal charges of -1. This gives a net formal charge of -1, which is the closest to zero that we can get for a negatively charged molecule. Additionally, this structure follows the octet rule for all atoms.

Choose the Best Lewis Structure for PO43⁻

Choose the Best Lewis Structure for PO₄³⁻